Jumat, 16 Januari 2009

To be able to compete in the regional aviation industry or Southeast Asia, Mandala Airlines today began implementing policies to fly with one type of aircraft (single fleet), namely Airbus. In addition, the national airline will add several new routes in Indonesia and East regional.

''Today is the last day we use a Boeing 737-400. Furthermore, all our fleet will use Airbus A319 and A320,''said Megawati KD Trisia, head of corporate communication Mandala Airlines, in a press conference in the Executive Lounge Juanda Airport yesterday (15/01).

Mandala currently operates 17 aircraft. From that amount, 12 of them Airbus. All lease (rent to buy). Five Boeing aircraft no longer operated.

According to him, one of the reasons Mandala Airlines operates a single fleet policy is efficiency. The use of Airbus planes can save operational costs, better maintenance, spare parts, to crew training.Mandala Air invest USD 1.8 billion to buy 32 Airbus. Airplanes that will gradually come in 2010-2012. This year,''Airbus that we still use leasing. But, the 32 aircraft will own the property,''he said.

He said, Airbus has a high fuel efficiency (Avtur) higher than other type aircraft that have been aged. ''So, we can provide more efficient and price competitive to the passengers,''said Trisia.

This year, Mandala will bring about 6-8 Airbus operated on the route to-new route, especially in east of Indonesia and regional, with a distance of five hours. Mandala currently has 20 new domestic routes to provide 600 thousand seat per month. Load factor''we average 85 percent for all routes,''he said.

With the planned addition of the route this year, Mandala Air hope can carry 6-7 million passengers.